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I recently received an email inquiry that asked, “on average for multiple devices, how many different renditions/encoding sets do you recommend?” The answer was complex enough that I figured I would answer it in a blog post. There are multiple interlocking considerations, as you would suspect. Let’s start with Quality and Compatibility. Quality and Compatibility …

I recently received an email asking about resources for video and webinar production. I sent off a list of video, audio, and lighting related resources, so I thought I would expand upon that in three blog posts. This first is on video-related resources for streaming production. Choosing Cameras and Lighting for Single-Speaker Webinars (1): I actually…

Perhaps it’s just me, but something about being a book author often feels like I have a sign on my back that says “Kick Me,” or worse. Maybe it’s that publishers get to hold onto my royalties for 3-6 months, so I can finance their business. Isn’t that special? Or maybe it’s Amazon’s Kindle royalty…

Book by streaming expert Jan Ozer provides media and technical training to help non-media professionals produce top quality audio and video. Galax, VA, June 2, 2015. Doceo Publishing announces a new book entitled Mastering Webcam and Smartphone Video: How to Look and Sound Great in Webinars and Videoconferences: Webinar Edition ($24.95), by streaming expert Jan…

Just a quick note about my new book, Mastering Webcam and Smartphone Video: How to Look & Sound Great in Webinars and Videoconferences ($24.95). Here’s the who, what, where, why, and when. Who: The book is targeted towards non-media professionals who produce webinars or frequently Skype or FaceTime with business associates. What: The book provides media and…

Handout at the main article. Here’s the description. This session explores the current status of HEVC, identifying options for encoding live and on-demand video using HEVC and discussing player options in the streaming and OTT markets. Topics include the comparative quality and usability of HEVC encoders—including encoders from x265 and MainConcept and techniques for maximizing…

Handouts for Replacing Flash with MSE/EME session – click below. Here’s the description: The Media Source Extensions and Encrypted Media Extensions are the standardized toolsets that enable browsers to deliver adaptive streaming and digital rights management without plug-ins. This session details what these extensions are, how they’re being supported by the different browser and tools…

My article, The Great UHD Codec Debate: Google’s VP9 vs. HEVC/H.265, is up on Streaming Media. Here’s the intro that describes what I tried to do. As of today, the great UHD codec debate involves two main participants: Google’s VP9 and HEVC/H.265. Which one succeeds—and where—involves a number of factors and will likely differ in…

(February 4, 2017: While the Fnord plug-in appears to be available, there’s no mention of the HEVC plug-in on the Vanguard site. Note that AME now has HEVC encoding in the latest version, most likely using the MainConcept HEVC codec). In their latest Creative Cloud reveal, which I wrote about here, Adobe didn’t include either…

Someone sent me an email this morning asking about DRM-related information. I collected these resources for him, and then thought it might make a useful blog post. So, if you’re interested in Digital Rights Management, here are four resources you can check out on the Streaming Learning Center and beyond. 1. I gave a session…